What Time of Year Should Spruce Trees Be Planted in South Dakota?

Spruce trees are the largest trees that survive brutal northern plains winters.

Rugged evergreens that tolerate brutally cold winters, spruce trees are also long-lived trees, a lasting investment in the landscape. Spruce trees are the largest trees that can survive winter on the northern prairies, but standard-sized cultivars can slowly outgrow smaller yards. Plant them in open areas with full sun. Spruce trees are excellent elements in privacy screens and windbreaks, though when young, they need protection too.

Spring

You can plant spruce trees either in spring or fall, but transplanting dormant trees at the end of winter can cause less stress and distress. Dig a large hole for planting and make sure roots fit the hole easily without bending or twisting; if needed, prune unruly roots to fit the hole. Keep transplanted trees moist--young roots have a difficult time extracting needed moisture from dry soil--but don't overwater, especially in heavy clay soil, which can cause root rot.

Fall

Plant balled and burlapped spruce trees after the first hard frost, when the soil is still warm. Make sure trees haven't been wrapped longer than six months, which makes them root-bound. Transplanting spruce trees requires quick, careful work. Fine roots can dry out after just a few minutes of exposure to air, so keep roots moist until the last possible minute by wrapping them in wet burlap. Water as for spring transplants.

Water

Mulch spruce trees with three or four inches of organic mulch beyond the drip line, to help conserve soil moisture. Newly planted trees need more water than established trees. Water less frequently and deeply as trees get established, to encourage roots to grow deep. Stop watering spruce trees in mid-August to help trees harden off before winter. But if possible, water spruce trees again after the leaves have fallen from deciduous trees; fall irrigation can help trees survive the drying effects of severe winters.

Fertilizer

Use slow-release or organic fertilizers with less than 10-percent nitrogen, and distribute over the entire root area. Liquid fertilizer solutions penetrate the soil better, but with dry fertilizers, be sure to water them in well. Fertilize in spring after the danger of frost has passed.

Winter Burn

Drying of shoots injures spruce trees in winter more than cold temperatures. Branches slowly lose moisture in winter through their needles, with branches on the windward or sunny southwest sides suffering the most damage. Plant young spruce so their vulnerable sides are protected by several rows of deciduous shrubs or trees whose limbs and branches can deflect drying winds.

References

• University of Minnesota Extension: Choosing Landscape Evergreens
• Montana State University Extension: Growing Spruce Trees in Montana